Frank A. Sedita Academy #30 ONE TO ONE

TECHNOLOGY HANDBOOK

ONE TO ONE

2

Overview

A One to One mobile device program has the potential to radically alter education for Buffalo

Public School students. Providing students with a computing device for use in both the

classroom, as well as at-home, mitigates the disparity some students experience with access to

technology outside of school. Consequently, eliminating this disparity frees teachers to

dramatically alter instructional practices by leveraging this always-available technology.

Successful execution of a One to One initiative requires planning and cooperation from

stakeholders throughout the District. These guidelines have been created to provide a framework

for a large-scale mobile device deployment.

Contact Information:

Sanjay Gilani

Chief Technology Officer

807 City Hall

65 Niagara Square

Buffalo, New York 14202

sgilani@buffaloschools.org

William Russo

Director of Instructional Technology

807 City Hall

65 Niagara Square

Buffalo, New York 14202

wrusso@buffaloschools.org

ONE TO ONE

3

One to One Instructional Laptop Program

This document is intended to inform all students, parents and guardians of the expectations and

policies associated with a One to One Instructional Technology Program.

The technology resources provided in the One to One instructional laptop/tablet program provide

meaningful learning opportunities for students, tools for collaboration and interaction, and

enhanced facilitation of all courses. Students should be aware of responsibilities associated with

the efficient, ethical and lawful use of technology and BPS curricular resources. If a student

violates any of the conditions named in this document, privileges may be terminated, access to

School District technology may be denied, and the appropriate disciplinary action may be taken.

Student Participation Student participation in a BPS One to One program is contingent upon a BPS administrative

approval. Parent/guardian and student contracts must be signed and returned before any

computer hardware is distributed. All District computing devices provided are to be used for

educational purposes only.

Device Ownership

Any computing device and additional hardware/accessories issued through a One to One

program are the property of the Buffalo Public Schools. Students have no ownership of the

computing device, peripheral hardware, or related resources. All resources will be utilized in

school and are not to be removed from the school building unless accompanied and supervised

by appropriate school personnel.

While students are responsible for proper care and handling of the resources, the District can

recall the computing device and accessories at any point for maintenance or spot checking for

compliance with the student contract. The Buffalo Public Schools reserves the right to monitor

and access all information on the computing devices, including Internet histories. Students and

parents should clearly understand there is no expectation of privacy on school equipment. To

reiterate, District officials will spot check computing devices at any point and have the right to

recall computers.

Learning Management System

One to One content may be offered through a Learning Management System (LMS). If an LMS

is used, students will be given a login and password and will complete all coursework in a secure

platform. Students will be responsible for complying with the LMS service provider’s licensing

agreements, terms of use, copyright and the Buffalo Public School District’s Acceptable Use

Policy (AUP).

ONE TO ONE

4

Technical Support

Students will immediately contact the on-site technician and the Instructional Technology Coach

(ITC) regarding any damage to or problems with the computing devices. Please refer to the

Student Assistance Flow Chart (included at the end of the program guide) to troubleshoot

technical problems.

Loss, Theft or Damage

Each computing device will be assigned to a particular student. Students must not lend or

exchange the computers. Devices must be kept with the student at all times and must not be left

unattended. In the event of a lost device, the building administrator and ITC must be notified

immediately. If a computing device is stolen, a police report must be filed by the building

administrator and/or ITC.

Computing devices issued by the District may include internal tracking software. In the event

that the device is reported lost or stolen, software may be used to locate and remotely disable the device. Modifying, disabling, or attempting to disable the location software is a violation of the

Acceptable User Policy and grounds for disciplinary action.

If damage occurs or if the computing device is not operating properly, the IT Department will

determine how best to repair the device. If damage to District technology is purposeful or

malicious, the parents/guardians may be held financially responsible. Students should

refrain from making any attempt to gain access to the internal electronics to repair the device

themselves.

In the event that damage occurs or the computing device is not functioning correctly, students

should report the situation to the on-site technician and the ITC. Devices will be repaired by

District technicians.

In the event that a student’s computing device needs repair, a loaner device will be provided as

soon as possible while the device is being repaired.

The parent/guardian may be held financially responsible for some or all of the cost of

repairs/replacement of a computing device that has been damaged accidentally by

deliberate misbehavior of students.

Loss, Theft or Damage Cont’d.

Intentional damage from student misuse or neglect will be repaired and the cost may be absorbed

by the parent/guardian.

Students are responsible for maintaining backup copies of their data. In the event that a device

experiences problems District officials may need to re-format the device, wipe the device clean

of all information, content, programs etc. The District does not accept responsibility for the loss

of any information, applications, etc. deleted due to the necessity of a re-format and/or re-image.

ONE TO ONE

5

Netiquette

Students should always use the Internet, network resources, and online sites in a courteous and

respectful manner. They should also recognize that with valuable content, there is also

unverified, incorrect, and/or inappropriate content on the internet.

Cyber-Bullying

The National Crime Prevention Council defines cyber-bullying as “When the Internet, cell

phones, or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass

another person.” Cyber-Bullying will not be tolerated and is strictly forbidden. Students should

remember that digital activities are monitored and retained. Students should report any cyber-

bullying immediately to school personnel.

Device Maintenance

Computing devices and accessories must be returned in the same condition they were given – free of marks, stickers, writing or engraving. Students must store the computing device in a safe

location and keep it secure in its protective case.

Students must not use their computing device to purchase goods and services via the Internet.

(Parents/students are charged with full responsibility for any financial obligations incurred from

the inappropriate use of the device.)

ONE TO ONE

6

One to One Learning Expectations

Expectations for Use

• Students will have their computing device with them during all classes.

• Students will use the Internet for academic purposes, including research, course related

assignments and review, access of the course content, and per teacher instruction.

• Students will not share password/login information to the Learning Management System or any

other District resource.

• Students will not use computing devices for entertainment purposes, including use of social media unless it is part of assigned coursework.

• Students will only take/store/share text, images, audio, and video that have an academic purpose.

• Students will not keep personal information on the computing devices.

• Computing devices must be placed on the charging cart and charged to full capacity at the end of

each day.

• Students must not use their computing device to purchase goods and services via the Internet.

Parents/students are charged with full responsibility for any financial obligation incurred from the

inappropriate use of the computing device.

ONE TO ONE

7

One to One Best Practices

Best Practices

• Students are expected to treat their computing device with care and respect.

• When transporting the computing device throughout the school building, students should be

particularly cautious.

• Students must protect their computing device from extreme heat or cold.

• Students should not leave the computing device exposed to direct sunlight or near any heat or

moisture sources for extended periods of time.

• Computing devices must be protected from the weather, water or other liquid.

• Students must never eat or drink (including water) while using their computing device, or use their

device near others who are eating or drinking.

• No object should ever be placed or stacked on top of the computing device. This includes books,

musical instruments, sports equipment, etc.

• The computing device is for the student’s use only. Students should not share the device with

friends.

ONE TO ONE

8

Student Assistance Flow Chart

Issue Action(s) Necessary District Contact

Accidental

Damage (1st

Instance)

Report damage immediately. The device

must be returned to the on-site technician so

that a spare device may be issued.

ITC and on-site technician

Accidental

Damage (2nd

Instance)

Report damage immediately. The device

must be returned to the on-site technician so

that a spare device may be issued.

However, a spare device may not be issued

for a second break. The student may need

to wait until the original device is returned

from service.

ITC and on-site technician

Accidental

Damage

(3rd Instance)

Report damage immediately. The device

must be returned to the on-site technician so

that a new or spare device may be issued.

However, a spare device may not be issued

for a 3rd instance of damage. The student

may need to wait until the original device is

returned from service.

Some loss of privileges of using the

computing device may occur.

ITC and on-site technician

Intentional

Damage

If damage to District technology is

purposeful or malicious, parents/guardians

may be held financially responsible.

Computing devices must be returned in the

condition they were given – free of any

marks, stickers, writing, and/or engraving.

ITC & Building

Administrator

Loss Report loss immediately.

ITC & Building

Administrator

ONE TO ONE

9

Student Assistance Flow Chart Cont’d.

Issue Action(s) Necessary District Contact

Theft Report theft immediately. No cost will be

incurred if the device has been reported

stolen to the proper personnel immediately, if

not, the parent/guardian may be held

financially responsible. To building

administrator and ITC personnel immediately

ITC & Building

Administrator

Student

cannot login

to Virtual

Desktop.

Report problem to building ITC, who will

notify the Help Desk.

ITC

Device will

not boot up.

Report problem to building on-site

technician.

on-site technician

The student

cannot

access/login

to Learning

Management

System.

Report problem to building ITC, who will

contact LMS Help Desk/Support.

ITC

ONE TO ONE

10

Dear Parent or Guardian:

This year, the Buffalo Public School District is offering a One to One learning program to

students in grades 3 through 8th at Frank A. Sedita Academy #30. Students will complete

coursework that combines traditional learning with online and technological exploration.

Students will be taught by our Buffalo Public School teachers who have been trained to support

students, provide feedback, and assess assignments and exams in this mixed environment.

Participating students will receive a computing device with Wi-Fi capabilities so they can

complete coursework in the school environment. Computing devices are not allowed to be taken

home with students. Additionally, students will meet face-to-face with the Instructional

Technology Coach in their building for support and training in the virtual learning environment.

The school District is excited to be offering this program in your child’s building.

Participating in blended courses will help your child gain essential time management and

organizational skills and explore a mode of learning used by colleges. You will receive more

information from your child’s building administrator regarding this program and your child’s

participation. Please contact me if you need further information.

Sincerely,

Sanjay Gilani

Chief Technology Officer

807 City Hall

65 Niagara Square

Buffalo, New York 14202

sgilani@buffaloschools.org

ONE TO ONE

11

One to One Program Student/Parent Contract

Buffalo Public School District

Students: This contract is designed to help you successfully complete your One to One

Coursework. The signatures below indicate agreement to the following expectations and

policies.

1. The Buffalo Public School District retains title to and ownership of the computing device, case and

accessories.

2. I will login and work on my coursework as outlined in the syllabus.

3. I will make sure that my device is fully charged and prepared for class as required.

4. I will follow the Buffalo Public School District’s Acceptable Use Policy

5. I will use appropriate communications on my device at all times.

6. I will use the Internet for academic purposes, including research, course related assignments and

review, access of the course content, and per teacher instruction.

7. I will not share my login information.

8. I will not use my device for entertainment purposes, including social media unless it is specifically

assigned coursework.

9. I will only take/store/share text, images, audio and video that have an academic purpose.

10. I will not keep personal information on my computing device.

11. I understand my online activity is stored and will be monitored by school officials. School officials

have the right to recall and spot check devices at any point.

12. I will notify the On-site technician of any technical problems with the equipment.

13. I understand I may be held financially responsible for up to $500.00 for any intentional damage to or

loss of my computing device, case, and accessories.

14. I will report any damage, loss, or theft of the computing device immediately to an administrator and

to ITC.

15. I agree to abide by all copyright and license agreements, and I understand that infraction or violation

will result in removal from the course.

16. I understand if I violate any of the conditions named in this document, privileges may be

terminated, access to School District technology may be denied, and the appropriate disciplinary

action may be taken.

17. I have read the One to One Program Guide and agree to abide by program policies and procedures at

school.

ONE TO ONE

12

Parents/Guardians: This contract is designed to ensure appropriate care and use of District

technology and One to One course materials:

1. The Buffalo Public School District retains title to and ownership of the computing device, case and

accessories.

2. I am in support of my child using his/her computing device during school hours.

3. I understand if my child causes purposeful or malicious damage or loss to the computing device and

any related equipment, I may be held financially responsible.

4. I will report any damage, loss, or theft of the computing device immediately to the ITC. I will report

the theft of the device to the police immediately and provide the police report to the ITC within five

(5) days.

5. I understand the computing device allows my child access to the Internet. School officials have the

right to recall and spot check devices at any point.

6. I understand my child must follow the District AUP and should treat and use all technology

responsibly.

7. I understand that violation of the student contract, the District AUP and/or any of the conditions

named in this document may result in privileges being terminated, access to School District

technology may be denied, and the appropriate disciplinary action may be taken.

8. I agree to all One to One Program policies and procedures, as outlined in the One to One Program

Guide.

9. I understand that the computing device and related equipment are the property of the Buffalo Public

School District.

I have reviewed the above contract and agree to abide by it.

Student Signature: ______________________________________ Date: __________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________ Date: __________